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Why does my pug have crusty skin, fur loss, and red patches?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 9 months old

Crusty flaky skin forming in patches on my pugs back. Fur falling out and sore red patches. Have put oil on it.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 30th, 2017

Poor Biscuit! I'm sorry to hear that he's having this problem. Patches of hair loss, redness, and crusty skin can be caused by a number of different things. Some common possibilities would include allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), fleas, a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so it's important to get a diagnosis first. I would recommend taking Biscuit to the vet tomorrow for an exam - he/she can do some simple skin tests to help determine what is causing his skin issues and get him started on appropriate treatment. In the meantime, you can try bathing him in an aloe and oatmeal dog shampoo if you want to. This will not treat the underlying problem, but should soothe his skin and help to remove some of the crusty spots to help make him a bit more comfortable until you are able to see the vet.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Mara Howard, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 24th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Chico is having skin issues. Skin lesions like you are describing can have multiple causes, including skin parasites (fleas or mites), allergies, an infection (bacterial or fungal), or an underlying medical issue. I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for his skin lesions, have any necessary testing done (skin scrape, culture), and start any treatment that he may need (antibiotics, antifungal, anti-itch medication). Good luck!

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